From what I gathered the S&W factory supplies .035 clips with their 986 revolvers. Anyone have experience with other thickness clips in a 986?

Not concerned with loading/removing the rounds but function and possibly accuracy issues if there are any.

I have three of these and use clips from TK Custom & never had any issues. Not sure of their thickness. Maybe I'm just lucky! 😁

With just about any revolver, that uses moon clips, other than those chambered for .45 ACP, the case to clip fit is critical to expedient loading. When you are trying to hit seven or eight 9 mm sized chambers as fast as possible, any cartridge wiggle will be working against you. It is imperative that you find the best case to clip fit – the one that holds the cartridges rigidly. This usually requires trial and error of fitting various headstamp cases to different brands of moon clips. Most clip manufacturers will give you guidance as to what brand works best with their clips, but this does not ensure the optimum combination.

Cartridge tightness in the clip is determined by the fit of the clip to the extractor groove. The thickness of the clip has little bearing surface on the cartridge so lateral support is pretty much non-existent.

Enter the RIMZ poly moon clips for the 986 and 929 revolvers. I personally went on that search for the perfect moon clip fit for my 929 that I use for USPSA. My journey ended when I discovered the RIMZ poly clips. The absolute best quality these clips possess is that they are not “finnicky” about what brand of brass you use in them – they hold them all rigidly.

How do they accomplish that? The RIMZ clips not only hold the cartridge by the extractor groove, but they also surround the case head, thus providing the lateral support the metal clips can’t. Think of the recessed chambers on Smith magnum revolvers of yore. In the spirit of a picture being worth a thousand words, here is a 929 RIMZ clip…



You can plainly see the rebate in the clip. I have been using these for about three years in competition, using a post-type, belt-mounted moon clip carrier and I have never had a round come loose from the clip when pulling it from the post, prior to inserting it in the cylinder. These also tend to be less expensive than most brands of metal moon clips for these guns.

I have no association with the company that produces and sells these, other than being a customer. It is a product that I have found works and one I use and in which I believe. The usual disclaimer: YMMV.

Adios,

Pizza Bob

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NRA Benefactor Member

Thanks guys....not really concerned with speed loading etc. I was just curious how thickness might affect accuracy. I see a lot of 986 accuracy results out to 25 yards....but sure would like to see some 50 yard numbers.

Now that you guys mentioned the other clip manufacturers...I now also have an interest in accuracy tests utilizing the various clips:-) Might have to buy a 986 and check that out.